University of Colorado Boulder
Kinetics: Studying Spacecraft Motion
University of Colorado Boulder

Kinetics: Studying Spacecraft Motion

This course is part of Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Specialization

Taught in English

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Hanspeter Schaub

Instructor: Hanspeter Schaub

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.8

(129 reviews)

Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
21 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Derive the rotational equations of motion and predict and determine torque-free motion equilibria and associated stabilities

  • Develop equations of motion for a rigid body with multiple spinning components and derive and apply the gravity gradient torque

  • Apply the static stability conditions of a dual-spinner configuration and predict changes as momentum exchange devices are introduced

  • Derive equations of motion for systems in which various momentum exchange devices are present

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Assessments

25 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.8

(129 reviews)

Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
21 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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This course is part of the Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

The dynamical equations of motion are developed using classical Eulerian and Newtonian mechanics. Emphasis is placed on rigid body angular momentum and kinetic energy expression that are shown in a coordinate frame agnostic manner. The development begins with deformable shapes (continuous systems) which are then frozen into rigid objects, and the associated equations are thus simplified.

What's included

19 videos9 quizzes

The motion of a single or dual rigid body system is explored when no external torques are acting on it. Large scale tumbling motions are studied through polhode plots, while analytical rate solutions are explored for axi-symmetric and general spacecraft shapes. Finally, the dual-spinner dynamical system illustrates how the associated gyroscopics can be exploited to stabilize any principal axis spin.

What's included

17 videos9 quizzes

The differential gravity across a rigid body is approximated to the first order to study how it disturbs both the attitude and orbital motion. The gravity gradient relative equilibria conditions are derived, whose stability is analyzed through linearization.

What's included

7 videos3 quizzes

The equations of motion of a rigid body are developed with general momentum exchange devices included. The development begins with looking at variable speed control moment gyros (VSCMG), which are then specialized to classical single-gimbal control moment devices (CMGs) and reaction wheels (RW).

What's included

7 videos4 quizzes1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.9 (29 ratings)
Hanspeter Schaub

Top Instructor

University of Colorado Boulder
10 Courses31,741 learners

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